Consumer confidence

Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Consumer confidence rebounded in December, reaching its highest level since July, according to a preliminary index by Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan. Above, Black Friday shoppers in Santa Monica flock to the Third Street Promenade.

Consumer confidence rebounded in December, reaching its highest level since July, according to a preliminary index by Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan. Above, Black Friday shoppers in Santa Monica flock to the Third Street Promenade. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Consumer confidence rebounded in December, reaching its highest level since July, according to a preliminary index by Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan. Above, Black Friday shoppers in Santa Monica flock to the Third Street Promenade.